Pursuit

One of my favorite TV Characters growing up was Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane, a bumbling and corrupt sheriff character in the American TV series The Dukes of Hazzard.

He was accompanied by his pet/police dog basset hound named Flash. He was constantly chasing them “Duke boys.” It seemed like every episode, as Bo and Luke Duke came flying past him in their Bright Orange 1969 Dodge Charger with “01” painted on the side and a rebel flag emblazoned across the roof, Roscoe would say, “Come On Flash, we are in hot pursuit!”

[CBS/Getty Images]As I’ve had some time to rest and reflect this summer and focus toward this Fall, the word “pursuit” has continued to surface in my mind and I’ve been asking myself three questions:

What are you pursuing?

Why are you pursuing it?

Who are you pursuing it for?

What are you pursuing?

What flashes across your mind throughout your days that grabs your attention, and you go in hot pursuit after? I can be easily distracted by unhealthy cravings and desires as well as things that appear good but might not ultimately be best.

In 1 Timothy 6, we are encouraged to look at what has us distracted and the apostle Paul pleads with us:

I’ve learned to ask this question to get to the root of why that thing seems so enticing to me, why I think that thing or relationship will bring ultimate fulfillment. If you are honest, it doesn’t take long to self-assess the motivations of your longings and pursuits. Is it a longing to find contentment, pleasure, power, prestige…in something? Fight hard to get to the root of your pursuits and lean back into your identity in Christ and what Jesus has done for you.

“Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

Who are you pursuing it for?

Am I pursuing the things I am in hot pursuit after for me alone? Is it so I look good, or I gain power, or I have more comfort, or pleasure, or security?

Ultimately, we need to realize the pursuits in our lives that are most satisfying are those things that bring glory to God.

“He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:15-16

I pray you would pursue Christ as you continue to Go Bold this fall with righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness.